Colorado and San Jose are the only 2 picks I feel comfortable with. Everything matchup looks fairly even and could go either way.

Lets hope for LOTS of overtime games.

You're in a desert, walking along in the sand when all of a sudden you look down and see a tortoise. It's crawling towards you. You reach down and flip the tortoise over on its back. The tortoise lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, beating its legs trying to turn itself over. But it can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.

Boston (at least one good donnybrook)in 7, Ottawa in 7 (Philly gets squirrelly in goal), Carolina in 7 (the whaler-canes don't stand a chance but as a RANGERS fan I refuse to EVER pick the devils) and the Leafs in 6(again as a RANGERS fan, I could NEVER, EVVVVVVVVER pick the fishstix)

Detroit in 7 (vancouver is hot), Colorado in 5 (Roy & Sakic is first round money), San Jose in 6 (sharks won't get out of 2nd round) and Chicago in 7 (a good old fashioned Norris Division black & blue brawl)

Stylin' and Profilin' - Custom Made from Head to Toe.....courtesy of Michael's of Kansas City

Original Six matchup! Montreal is rolling with the return of Koivu, and although they haven't played great in the last couple games, the Bruins have, for the most part, been even worse. Plus, the Habs have the hottest goalie in the NHL right now on their side. This will make it close, but not close enough for the Bruins, who are too gritty and too talented.

Boston in 6

2. Philadelphia vs. 7. Ottawa

Ottawa's been playing grittier than normal, and this is something they definately need. Both teams are pretty fragile mentally too, considering last years playoff performances. However, Philly is just too big, and Chara will not be able to handle the onslaught of guys like Leclair crashing the net, as they're sure to do. If Ottawa can win the first game, they'll have a chance, but I don't think they will.

Philadelphia in 5

3. Carolina vs. 6 New Jersey

Carolina won the weakest division in hockey, and New Jersey is returning to playoff form - bad, bad news for Carolina. But, Carolina gave New Jersey a bigger scare last year than anybody thought, and the fans in Carolina will be jakked up. Still won't be enough though.

New Jersey in 6

4. Toronto vs. 5. New York Islanders

As soon as the Islanders won their game yesterday, I'm sure Yashin went and puked in the toilet, becuase he knew that he'd once again have to deal with Shane Corson, who made mincemeat of him last year, limiting him to one goal. However, the Leafs are going to have to deal with Mike Peca, who rendered Sundin totally ineffective when Buffalo defeated the Leafs a few years back. However, the Islanders are still green overall and are simply thrilled that they're in the playoffs, while the Leafs are on a mission to win the Cup. Plus, Osgoode is good, but he's no Joseph, and the young Islander defence is gonna get grinded into the corners by guys like Corson, Tucker, Domi, Roberts, and Renberg.

Leafs in 5

West:

1. Detroit vs. 8. Vancouver

On paper, you'd think Detroit's gonna kill them, right? Nuh-uh, kiddos! Vancouver's been the best team in hockey since January, and the Wings have only won once in their last seven or eight games. The two highest scoring teams in the league will go toe-to-toe here, and you'd think Detroit would have the edge in goal with Hasek, but Dominik has played horribly lately, and simply hasn't looked like his old self. Vancouver is primed and ready, and they're gonna shock the world.

Vancouver in 7

2. Colorado vs. 7. Los Angeles

Colorado is simply too talented. LA will be out for revenge, however, and if they can grind Colorado down, they could make it interesting. But, Colorado is a proven playoff performer, and while I like Potvin, he's no Roy - even if Roy is an ass.

Colorado in 4

3. San Jose vs. 6. Phoenix

San Jose came within a hair of getting the second seed, and have played well all year. However, they are starting to get notorious for bad playoff performances. The Sharks have a great goalie, but he's young, and not the vet that Burke is. That being said, however, The Sharks should still be able to get by what will be a very determined Phoenix team. But it won't be easy!

San Jose in 7

4. St. Louis vs. 5. Chicago

St. Louis has seeemingly under-performed all year, but everything is up for grabs again now. Chicago is back in the playoffs for the first time in quite a while, and the Chicago crowd will be psyched. Stevie Thomas will definately help out the Hawks, who seem primed to do some damage. Neither team has outstanding goaltending, but the Hawks seem more energetic, and if the Blues continue their under-achieving ways, they're in for a shock.

Ottawa's been playing grittier than normal, and this is something they definately need. Both teams are pretty fragile mentally too, considering last years playoff performances. However, Philly is just too big, and Chara will not be able to handle the onslaught of guys like Leclair crashing the net, as they're sure to do. If Ottawa can win the first game, they'll have a chance, but I don't think they will.

Philadelphia in 5"

Philly may be big but Ottawa has always given them fits, in fact any team that is nimble gives the Flyers fits. Chara should be able to handle LeClair since he can't hit the side of a barn with his shot. The Flyers have a good chance if they stop passing and start shooting the puck (Saturday's shot total was padded.) However, the power play has been so bad this year Ottawa might be better off taking dumb penalties all game long and playing shorthanded.

If the Flyers lose here expect Barber to get fired. There are about 3 top line guys that should be shown the door but Clarke doesn't have the balls to give them the boot.

All this from a Flyers season ticket holder. Man, I'm getting bitter.

You're in a desert, walking along in the sand when all of a sudden you look down and see a tortoise. It's crawling towards you. You reach down and flip the tortoise over on its back. The tortoise lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, beating its legs trying to turn itself over. But it can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.

I'm biased here, as I am a Bruins fan. They have certainly struggled the last little while, but I figure that the game on Saturday will help as a confidence boost going in. Montreal is the sentimental favourite with the whole Koivu situation, but sentiment can't put pucks in the net. Theodore will have to stand on his head to make this one close.

Boston in 5.

Ottawa vs. Philadelphia.

Ottawa doesn't have Yashin making every moment he is on the ice a virtual power play for their opponents. That has to count for something. Still, Philly looks strong, and I feel this will go the distance.

Philly in 7

Carolina vs. New Jersey

As others have said, Carolina's here by being the best of the worst. the Devils are hot at the perfect time, and this one will be over fast.

Jersey in 4.

Toronto vs. New York Islanders

Hey! Let's watch Yashin go into his usual playoff form! 2 points for Alexei in the series, as Joseph returns at 100 percent. I'll be cheering for the Isles, since I share cube space with an obnoxious Leaf fan, though.

Leafs in 6.

And since I follow the East more than the West, I'll be quick with the rest of my picks.

no way the wings are losing in the 1st round 2 years in a row. what exactly have they had to play for the past 2 months? IMO their lack of depth and playoff experience makes it the wings in 5. vancouver can beat detroit, but 4 times?

(edited by quagmire on 15.4.02 2113)
Marge: Mr. Scorpio, this house is almost too good for us. I keep expecting to get the bums rush.
Scorpio: We don't have bums in our town, Marge, and if we did, they wouldn't rush, they'd be allowed to go at their own pace.

The Habs were HOT closing down the season. Ignore the last two games - they were filled with scrubs and no Theodore. He did give up 3 to Ottawa making him look human again, but I think the Habs are in fine form. Though Boston DID win the East - and are certainly the favorites I smell an upset.

Habs in 7

Philadelphia vs. Ottawa

I don't care. Here's hoping for a series of triple overtime games where they tire eachother out. (I can't take credit for that - a buddy of mine wished that on them before I could.)

Flyers in 4

Carolina vs. New Jersey

I'm biased here. While I don't see Carolina going past the second round (hell, the Whalers/Canes have never made it past the first round) I think this is the year they finally make some believers. Last year was a tease to what they were capable of - waking up the NHL when they took Jersey to 6. This year they seal the deal.

Carolina in 6

Toronto vs. New York Islanders

Toronto's got Cujo and Barrasso back - so if either one falters they've got the other to pick it up. Not to mention Corey Schwab can be called right back up and he's had a ton of playing time lately. The Isles were solid all year, but are simply outclassed in every way here.

Toronto in 5

Detroit vs. Vancouver

Naslund, Bertuzzi, turn out the lights, the party's over.

Detroit in 5

Colorado vs. Los Angeles

I may be completely insane, because NOTHING plays to their favor, but I smell an upset. Los Angeles has....something. I don't know WHAT that something is - but I think it's enough to take out the defending champs early.

Los Angeles in 7

San Jose vs. Phoenix

I'm still in complete disbelief that San Jose managed to finish as well as they did. That being said, I don't see it ending anytime soon.

San Jose in 6

St. Louis vs. Chicago

I like the Blues, but Chicago has played good solid hockey all year, doing all the right things. This one is tight - and it's going to come down to whether or not Chicago can handle Demitra. I think they can.

Detroit over VancouverColorado over Los AngelesSan Jose over PhoenixChicago over St. Louis

East

Boston over MontrealOttawa over PhiladelphiaNew Jersey over CarolinaIslanders over Toronto

Breakdown: Colorado and LA should be fun, since those 2 teams really don't like each other. It would have been more fun for the Avs if they played Vancouver, but, oh well.

Carolina wouldn't have even have made the playoffs if they were in the west. Jersey advances easily.

As has been said before, but Boston playing Montreal in the playoffs just seems to be so....right. Looking forward to it. Also looking forward to the Maple Leafs and Islanders. Kinda rough to have the 3rd best point total in the entire NHL, but still only get a 4 seed, and a very difficult 1st round matchup.

Playoff Predictions? Sure, why not? It may be hot here in NJ, but I'll bet it's hotter on the ice due to all that pressure to WIN, WIN, WIN!

EASTERN CONFERENCEBoston (#1) vs. Montreal (#8)Surprising Fact: Glen Murray (Boston) has 35 GOALS?! WHEN!?OLD SCHOOL ORIGINAL 6 SERIES, YEAH~! While Montreal has been hotter than the Bs recently, I don't see how Jose Theodore can ward off the mighty Bruins. Boston has been so dominant, it's hard to believe this team wasn't in the playoffs last season. And I don't see how Boston can give up a series to a team whose offense leaves a lot to be desired (even WITH Koivu)Prediction: Boston in 5

Philadelphia (#2) vs. Ottawa (#7)Surprising Fact: Ottawa has more penalty minutes combined (1,347) than Philadelphia (1,226) this season.A lot of people stereotype the Flyers as a big, crushing, gritty team and the Senators as a speedy, finesse, smaller team. Well, that's because they're true for the most part. Besides, Ottawa will choke in the first round yet again for a far more important reason: Patrick Lalime/Jani Hurme is not nearly as good as Brian Boucher/Roman Chechmanek in net and in pressure situations.Prediction: Philadelphia in 6

Carolina (#3) vs. New Jersey (#6)Surprising Fact: New Jersey is +23 in even-strength play.I'll admit, I'm heavily pulling for the Devils. Not just because I am a huge fan of them, but also because Carolina has no real shot at beating the Devils, who were the second hottest team coming into the playoffs. Also, look at the goalies and defencemen: The Devils have Martin Broduer, Scott Stevens, Brian Rafalski, and Scott Neidermayer. Carolina has Arturs Irbe and, um...Sean Hill and David Tanabe?Prediction: New Jersey in 5.

Toronto (#4) vs. New York (The Good Team)(#5)Surprising Fact: Shane Corson took Alexei Yashin to The Learning Tree™ last playoffs, holding him for a handful of points.Now THIS should be good. Toronto has CuJo back, Sundin leading the charge, and Corson looking to hold Yashin down. But the Isles aren't looking to celebrate just making the playoffs. Osgood will likely turn it up, Peca will do everything to be like his defensive-self, and Aucoin and Hamrlik will try to keep the D up. This is hard to figure out, but I'll choose experience over the new-comers in a 7-game stretch.Prediction: Toronto in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCEDetroit (#1) vs. Vancouver (#8)Surprising Fact: Markus Naslund and Todd Bertuzzi finished in SECOND and THIRD place in NHL scoring this season.I'm sorry, but I can't get over Bertuzzi being in third. Where did he come from? How did he get here? Anyways, I really like Vancouver. Yes, yes, Detroit is more dominant, has the large number of Hall-of-Famers, etc. But Vancouver defines the term "firewagon offense." I think that'll shock Detroit...enough for an upset.Prediction: Vancouver in 7.

Colorado (#2) vs. Los Angeles (#7)Surprising Fact: Peter Forsberg has been cleared to play the first round. You know, I also like LA and the energy they had all season. But Colorado is just too good, too dominant. Moreso since Roy has something to prove. (Note to Patrick Roy: OK, you sat out the Olympics. You better win big here.) And if Forsberg plays...forget about it. Prediction: Colorado in 5.

San Jose (#3) vs. Phoenix (#6)Surprising Fact: Daniel Briere has 12 power play goals.I...really can't tell in this one. Nabakov has the talent, but so does Burke. San Jose can light it up, but so can Phoenix. The Sharks have vets like Mike Ricci and Vincent Damphousse, the Coyotes has Sean Burke and Claude Lemieux. I want to say San Jose because they've been doing better all year-but I can't say that with full confidence. This one will go to 7 games, I'm almost sure of it.Prediction: San Jose in 7

St. Louis (#4) vs. Chicago (#5)Surprising Fact: Brent Johnson (58 games) has the exact same save percentage as Fred Brathwaite (24 games): .902.Brian Sutter really turned this team around, Chicago is the biggest turn-around in the NHL along with Boston. They playing better defense, playing tougher, and playing with more consistency. But St. Louis has not lived up to expectations. They only got the 4th seed in the last few days of the season, their big stars could have had bigger seasons, and have played merely OK for most of the season. I don't think Sutter will let Chicago go idle, and that's why they will out-work and out-play the Blues.Prediction: Chicago in 6.

Originally posted by UAsnake2002After the first round, are second round matchups higher remaining seed vs lower remaining seed. For instance

Colorado, St. Louis, Vancouver, and San Jose advance.

Would it be Colorado/Vancouver and St Louis/San Jose?

Thanks

That was a question, right?

Yes... in each conference, the higest seeded team after the first round faces the lowest seeded team remaining. The other two teams play each other. The matchups you mentioned WOULD occur if those four teams were to all win their first round matchups.

I concur. The lowest seeds should have the hardest road to the championship. It makes the regular season mean something.

You're in a desert, walking along in the sand when all of a sudden you look down and see a tortoise. It's crawling towards you. You reach down and flip the tortoise over on its back. The tortoise lays on its back, its belly baking in the hot sun, beating its legs trying to turn itself over. But it can't. Not without your help. But you're not helping.